14 DAY TRIAL // As the title sponsor of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations, the sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup was the next major step for MTN to take within its global football portfolio. The MTN Group's sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup affords the company the exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East as well as global marketing rights.
Announcing the Group's US$65 million sponsorship over four years, MTN Group President and CEO, Phuthuma Nhleko said: "This is probably the most significant global event that will take place in Africa in the foreseeable future. The event provides significant attractive opportunities for Africa to showcase its ability to host events of such magnitude."
MTN, which has concluded the acquisition of Investcom LLC, is the leading mobile operator in Africa and the Middle East. With some 500 million people in its footprint area, the Group is committed to making the 2010 FIFA World Cup football event an unprecedented success. MTN's bold investment in the sponsorship is in line with its championship of emerging and developing markets.
Congratulating MTN, FIFA President Joseph S Blatter said that Africa's time had come and that the continent would shine on the global stage in 2010. "It is historical that MTN is the first African company to be a global sponsor of the FIFA World Cup and I want to commend MTN and Mr. Nhleko on this sponsorship," said Blatter.
In his address during the hand-over ceremony in Berlin, South African President Thabo Mbeki said that the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa would be the first event of this magnitude where the world would be able to participate via their mobile handsets. "MTN is ready to bring the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the mobile phones of millions of football fans in Africa and the Middle East. We are passionate about football and believe that it is a significant development area as it touches the lives of everyone, everywhere you go. We are privileged to take up this global sponsorship and look forward to being part of this historic event," concluded Nhleko